A lush, green lawn is the pride of any Florida homeowner, but it can quickly turn into a source of frustration when brown patches appear. The lawn disease brown patch fungus is one common culprit for these unsightly blemishes. Here’s what you should do if you’re dealing with brown patch fungus.
What is Brown Patch Fungus?
Brown patch fungus is a common fungal disease that affects lawns in various climates, including the warm and humid conditions of West Palm Beach, Florida. This disease typically appears during periods of high humidity and warm temperatures, such as the summer and early fall months. It manifests as circular or irregular-shaped brown patches in your lawn, ranging from a few inches to several feet in diameter.
The brown patches are often surrounded by a dark ring or “smoke ring,” which is a distinctive feature of this disease. The affected grass blades within these patches may wither, become water-soaked, and eventually die. Brown patch fungus primarily affects cool-season grasses like St. Augustine and ryegrass but can also target warm-season varieties.
Learn More: How Do I Know if My Yard Has a Disease?
Preventing Brown Patch Fungus
Prevention is key when it comes to brown patch fungus, and avoiding overwatering can reduce the chance of it forming in your lawn. Excess moisture creates the ideal environment for fungal growth, so it’s important to manage your watering practices effectively. Here are some brown patch fungus prevention tips:
- Water Early in the Morning: Water your lawn in the early morning hours to allow the grass to dry quickly in the sunlight, preventing prolonged moisture on the blades.
- Avoid Frequent, Light Watering: Deep and infrequent watering is better than shallow, frequent watering. This encourages deep root growth and reduces the surface moisture that fungi thrive on.
- Improve Lawn Aeration: Aerating your lawn helps improve air circulation, reducing moisture retention and the risk of brown patch fungus.
- Choose Disease-Resistant Grass Varieties: When planting or reseeding your lawn, opt for grass varieties known for their resistance to brown patch fungus.
- Proper Fertilization: Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which can promote fungal growth. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow recommended application rates.
Learn More: Our Top Watering Tips for a Healthy Lawn
Treating Brown Patch Fungus with Service Choice of West Palm Beach
If you suspect your lawn is suffering from brown patch fungus, it’s essential to address it promptly to prevent further damage. While there are fungicides available for DIY treatments, the best course of action is to enlist the help of professionals like Service Choice of West Palm Beach.
Service Choice’s lawn care experts have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and effectively treat brown patch fungus. We’ll tailor a treatment plan to your specific lawn and its unique needs, ensuring that the disease is eradicated once and for all. With our expertise, you can enjoy lush, green turf again without the worry of brown patch fungus recurring. Call us today at (561) 734-9269 to schedule your free lawn evaluation!
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